Saturday, October 23, 2010

Myth No. 7: “There is really no need to stay in touch with former references.”

Reality: As the saying goes – out of sight, out of mind. Honor these etiquette guidelines and your references should continue singing your praises for a long time. First, call your former boss(s) periodically and update them on your career, asking them to continue being a reference for you. Make sure you thank them for their time. Next, as you move further up the career ladder in your profession or achieve new educational goals, make sure you keep your references abreast of your success. As you progress, a reference is more inclined to see you in a positive light. Finally, acknowledge your references with a personal thank you letter or email; offer to take a former boss to lunch or dinner, or send them a thoughtful gift.

Keep these tips in mind to better ensure that your references won’t be liabilities in your search for new employment.

Myth No. 7: “There is really no need to stay in touch with former references.”

Reality: As the saying goes – out of sight, out of mind. Honor these etiquette guidelines and your references should continue singing your praises for a long time. First, call your former boss(s) periodically and update them on your career, asking them to continue being a reference for you. Make sure you thank them for their time. Next, as you move further up the career ladder in your profession or achieve new educational goals, make sure you keep your references abreast of your success. As you progress, a reference is more inclined to see you in a positive light. Finally, acknowledge your references with a personal thank you letter or email; offer to take a former boss to lunch or dinner, or send them a thoughtful gift.

Keep these tips in mind to better ensure that your references won’t be liabilities in your search for new employment.